To begin developing my Global Awareness, I have taken Anthropology 2202H in the Autumn of 2020. From this course I am learning more about different cultures and how no culture is better than another, just different. This class fosters discussions surrounding how to respect and understand other cultures and understand the history of the lands we inhabit. I plan to take Slavic 2230 in the next year, which will help me to understand the myths and fables originating in Europe that have transferred to the Americas and delve deeper into the reasoning behind different myths. One large thing I have done that has helped me to have better Global Awareness is I went to Europe for spring break in 2020, before coronavirus shut everything down. I spent three days in France and 2 days in Switzerland, where I was able to utilize the French I learned in 1102 and 1103 to communicate with the locals and better understand them. Being able to visit Europe for the first time and see all the history in their countries was very eye opening and has fueled a greater desire to see more of the world and learn more about other cultures. In fact, I would love the opportunity to work overseas or travel overseas as part of my post-graduate work.
I have worked in a research lab on campus since Spring 2020 that has helped fuel my Original Inquiry. In the chemical warfare lab, I work under Dr. Hadad and Dr. Callam in synthesizing a 5,6-dialkyl substituted 3-hydroxypyridine. The chemicals I synthesize are then used for protection against organophosphorus agents, such as chemical nerve agents and pesticides. Since my summer internship was cancelled, I spent the summer working remotely for this lab writing the beginning stages of my thesis, since I intend to graduate with Honors Research Distinction. While I have had no major discoveries yet, I hope that I will synthesize a very effective 5,6-dialkyl substituted 3-hydroxypyridine before my graduation that can be published in a paper. I plan to continue working in this lab until my graduation in Spring 2022, which I believe will further foster my understanding of research processes.
My Honors Contract demonstrates a commitment to the goal of Academic Enrichment through the courses I am taking. I take a wide variety of classes that are both mentally challenging but also intellectually interesting. My decision to major in Biochemistry stems from my interest in science and my passion for the cross-over between how chemicals interact with one’s body. I am currently thinking that I want to work in fragrances or in the creation of skin care products, so an understanding of the chemical reaction with one’s skin in pertinent to my career aspirations. Many of my GE choices were made with the intent of making myself a more rounded individual. Many of them are less focused in STEM and instead allow my mind to explore the other facets of the world, such as thoughts, cultures, and ideas and how they differ in different regions of the world. However, at the root of all my selections is the academic rigor of the courses. None of my courses are without a purpose and all of them serve me by expanding my academic understanding of the world.
I am involved in Delta Zeta Sorority and I teach Chem 1612 and 1622, which is a peer led course taught in conjunction with Chem 1610 and 1620. These activities have helped me to foster leadership in myself that I didn’t know I needed. In Delta Zeta I am the Standards of Excellence Chair, which is responsible to ensuring that the entire chapter of approximately 200 girls are working to develop a better understanding of the world and are setting themselves up to succeed in life. This is personally important to me since I want to see women have the opportunity to create real change in the world and this is the first step to doing so. By teaching Chem 1612 and 1622, I have the opportunity to change the lives of students just a few years below me who may be struggling with the decision to pursue a degree in Chemistry or Biochemsitry. I know first hand the struggles of adjusting to college and struggling in a class so the opportunity to provide guidance helps me to become more confident in my academic choices and provide reassurance to those that come after me that they too are making good choices for their own career aspirations.
One of the biggest service-oriented activities I have been involved with is Delta Zeta. Our philanthropy is The Starky Hearing Foundation, which raises money to provide hearing access to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. A few times a year, my sorority puts on fundraisers to help raise money for this foundation. A few of our events include, a 5k, turtles for tots, and battleship. This fun activities encourage students at Ohio State to get involved and their donations go to helping those who aren’t as lucky as we are in terms of health. Outside of Delta Zeta, I have volunteered at UC hospital in Cincinnati, where I worked in patient transport. The opportunity to calm a nervous patient before getting a MRI or PET scan was a very rewarding experience. While I no longer want to go into medicine, having the opportunity to connect with patients who were fearful and help ease their nerves let me know that I was doing something to help the community. I plan to continue volunteering once I graduate, since I believe giving back is crucial to a community’s success.